KOHAT: The district administration started a large-scale operation on Friday from Gumbat tehsil, closely located to the Indus River, against encroachments on waterways to ward off the impending flood threat due to monsoon rains.

Heavy machinery was also being used in the operation which would continue uninterrupted until its logical end, deputy commissioner Abdul Akram Chitrali said.

It may be recalled that commissioner of Kohat division Syed Motasim Billah Shah had taken strict notice of the obstructions in the waterways in Gumbat and had given a two-day deadline for the removal of all kinds of obstructions includingencroachments.

The deputy commissioner said the operation had formerly been launched from Tehsil Gumbat under the supervision of the district administration, communication and works, irrigation department and tehsil municipal administration.

Earlier, they also held an important meeting, which was attended by the district administration officials, Kohat police, irrigation, communications and works, forests, TMAs, Rescue 1122, civil defence and other relevant departments and institutions.

The meeting discussed a coordinated action plan to counter the expected rains and flood situation, warning that closure of natural waterways could lead to environmental hazards and loss of human lives.